FUJIFILM Logo
  • PRODUCTS
    PRODUCTS
    • Browse
      • Cameras
      • Lenses
      • Accessories
      • Software
      • Help Me Choose
    • By System
      • GFX Series
        • Cameras
        • Lenses
      • X Series
        • Cameras
        • Lenses
    • Group Items ( Link disabled )
      • Compare
        • Cameras
      • About Our Technology
        • Film Simulation
        • X-Trans CMOS
    • B2B Customers
      • Digital Imaging Solution
    GFX Series View all
    Cameras Mirrorless Digital Camera
    • GFX100 II
      GFX100 II
    • GFX100S II
      GFX100S II
    • GFX50S II
      GFX50S II
    Fixed Lens Camera
    • GFX100RF
      GFX100RF
    GFX Series View all
    Lenses Prime
    • GF23mmF4 R LM WR
      GF23mmF4 R LM WR
    • GF30mmF3.5 R WR
      GF30mmF3.5 R WR
    • GF45mmF2.8 R WR
      GF45mmF2.8 R WR
    • GF50mmF3.5 R LM WR
      GF50mmF3.5 R LM WR
    • GF55mmF1.7 R WR
      GF55mmF1.7 R WR
    • GF63mmF2.8 R WR
      GF63mmF2.8 R WR
    • GF80mmF1.7 R WR
      GF80mmF1.7 R WR
    • GF110mmF2 R LM WR
      GF110mmF2 R LM WR
    • GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro
      GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro
    • GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR
      GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR
    • GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
      GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
    Zoom
    • GF20-35mmF4 R WR
      GF20-35mmF4 R WR
    • GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR
      GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR
    • GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR
      GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR
    • GF45-100mmF4 R LM OIS WR
      GF45-100mmF4 R LM OIS WR
    • GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
      GF100-200mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
    Tilt-Shift
    • GF30mmF5.6 T/S
      GF30mmF5.6 T/S
    • GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro
      GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro
    Teleconverter
    • GF1.4X TC WR
      GF1.4X TC WR
    X Series View all
    Cameras Mirrorless Digital Camera
    • X-H2S
      X-H2S
    • X-H2
      X-H2
    • X-Pro3
      X-Pro3
    • X-T5
      X-T5
    • X-T4
      X-T4
    • X-S20
      X-S20
    • X-T50
      X-T50
    • X-T30 II
      X-T30 II
    • X-E4
      X-E4
    • X-M5
      X-M5
    Fixed Lens Camera
    • X100VI
      X100VI
    X Series View all
    Lenses Prime
    • XF8mmF3.5 R WR
      XF8mmF3.5 R WR
    • XF14mmF2.8 R
      XF14mmF2.8 R
    • XF16mmF1.4 R WR
      XF16mmF1.4 R WR
    • XF16mmF2.8 R WR
      XF16mmF2.8 R WR
    • XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR
      XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR
    • XF18mmF2 R
      XF18mmF2 R
    • XF23mmF1.4 R
      XF23mmF1.4 R
    • XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR
      XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR
    • XF23mmF2 R WR
      XF23mmF2 R WR
    • XF27mmF2.8 R WR
      XF27mmF2.8 R WR
    • XF30mmF2.8 R LM WR Macro
      XF30mmF2.8 R LM WR Macro
    • XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR
      XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR
    • XF35mmF1.4 R
      XF35mmF1.4 R
    • XF35mmF2 R WR
      XF35mmF2 R WR
    • XF50mmF1.0 R WR
      XF50mmF1.0 R WR
    • XF50mmF2 R WR
      XF50mmF2 R WR
    • XF56mmF1.2 R WR
      XF56mmF1.2 R WR
    • XF56mmF1.2 R APD
      XF56mmF1.2 R APD
    • XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
      XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
    • XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro
      XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro
    • XF90mmF2 R LM WR
      XF90mmF2 R LM WR
    • XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR
      XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR
    • XC35mmF2
      XC35mmF2
    Zoom
    • XF8-16mmF2.8 R LM WR
      XF8-16mmF2.8 R LM WR
    • XF10-24mmF4 R OIS WR
      XF10-24mmF4 R OIS WR
    • XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR
      XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR
    • XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
      XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
    • XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
      XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
    • XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
      XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
    • XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR
      XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR
    • XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
      XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
    • XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR
      XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR
    • XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
      XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
    • XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
      XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
    • XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
      XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
    • XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
      XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
    • XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
      XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
    • XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS II
      XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS II
    Teleconverter
    • XF1.4X TC WR
      XF1.4X TC WR
    • XF2X TC WR
      XF2X TC WR
    Cine
    • MKX18-55mmT2.9
      MKX18-55mmT2.9
    • MKX50-135mmT2.9
      MKX50-135mmT2.9
  • Support
    SUPPORT
    • Downloads
      • Firmware
      • Software
      • LUT
    • Manuals
      • Cameras
      • Lenses
      • Accessories
      • Software
    • Compatibility
      • Cameras
      • Lenses
      • Accessories
      • Software
    • More Links
      • FAQ
      • FUJIFILM Service Centre
      • FUJIFILM X | GFX Members
      • FUJIFILM Professional Services (FPS)
  • News
  • Events
  • Promotions
  • Shop
  • X-Photographers
    • Galleries
    • Photographer
  • X Stories
    • X Stories
    • Learning Centre
©FUJIFILM Corporation.

Learning Centre

  • twitter
  • facebook

> 5 minute read

Using Focus Bracketing and Stacking

Getting pin-sharp results right across the frame is tricky when shooting close-up and macro images, but focus bracketing – followed by some stacking and blending in post-production – can give you superb results, with everything in focus.

With the focus bracketing option switched on, your X Series camera will shoot a number of frames, slightly varying the focusing distance for every shot.

The main use of focus bracketing mode is for focus stacking: a post-production technique where photos shot at slightly different focus distances are merged together to create a final image that’s completely sharp, from front to back. This is very useful when it’s not possible to create enough depth-of-field in-camera – for example, when shooting macro subjects.

Focus stacking is not difficult to do, though it can be fiddly and time-consuming. You’ll need to have your camera mounted firmly on a tripod so it doesn’t move about between frames, and you’ll need some software to merge (or ‘stack’) the images together – Adobe Photoshop can do this, but there are other options, too, such as Affinity Photo and Helicon Focus. Stacking is only really achievable with a static subject – if your subjects moves even slightly, it will create problems when blending the images.

Setting Up and Shooting

Focus bracketing can be found in your X Series camera’s SHOOTING SETTING menu. Follow these steps to activate it:

Finally, you’ll see three options: FRAMES, STEP, and INTERVAL.

In the SHOOTING SETTING menu, go to DRIVE SETTING.

Then pick BKT SETTING.

Next choose FOCUS BKT.

Finally, you’ll see three options: FRAMES, STEP, and INTERVAL.

In the SHOOTING SETTING menu, go to DRIVE SETTING.

Then pick BKT SETTING.

Next choose FOCUS BKT.

Finally, you’ll see three options: FRAMES, STEP, and INTERVAL.

  • FRAMES determines the number of frames captured between the starting focus point and infinity.
  • STEP sets the amount of change in focus distance between each frame, with greater numbers representing more change.
  • INTERVAL lets you set a delay between each frame, in seconds, should you need to.

Focus bracketing moves the point of focus away from you, towards infinity. So, the first thing to do is focus on the nearest point you want to be sharp. It’s best to do this manually, with the Focus Peaking and Focus Check modes switched on to help.

It takes some experimentation to arrive at the perfect combination of settings, but the following considerations should help.

  • When the step between frames decreases, the number of frames required increases.
  • When the aperture gets smaller, the number of frames required decreases.
  • When subject magnification increases, the number of frames required increases.
  • When print/image size increases, the number of frames required increases.
  • When photographing macro scenes, try the following combination as a starting point: FRAMES 50, STEP 5, INTERVAL 0.

With the camera’s drive dial or drive mode menu switched to BKT, and the BKT SETTING set to FOCUS BKT, you’re ready to go. To avoid camera shake, trigger the shutter either with the camera’s two-second self-timer, with a wired remote release, or using the FUJIFILM Camera Remote app. After the shutter is triggered, the camera automatically captures the required number of frames, varying the focus distance as you go.

Stacking the Results in Photoshop

To begin combining your captured images, you need to open them all up into Photoshop as different layers in a single document. Thankfully, there is a quick way to do this! Begin by transferring the images from your camera using your normal method. Then follow the steps below:

STEP 3 Now, go back to the Edit menu and choose Auto-Blend Layers. Choose the Stack Images option and click OK. Again, this may take a while depending on your computer and the number of images you’re working with.

STEP 1 Open Photoshop and choose File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack. Then, in the dialogue box, find and select the images you want to import. Click Open and then OK. Photoshop will import each frame as a separate layer into a new document.

STEP 2 To focus stack the different layers, select them all by going to Select > All Layers, then select Edit > Auto-Align Layers. Choose the Auto option and click OK. Depending on the number of image files and the speed of your computer, this may take some time.

STEP 3 Now, go back to the Edit menu and choose Auto-Blend Layers. Choose the Stack Images option and click OK. Again, this may take a while depending on your computer and the number of images you’re working with.

STEP 1 Open Photoshop and choose File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack. Then, in the dialogue box, find and select the images you want to import. Click Open and then OK. Photoshop will import each frame as a separate layer into a new document.

STEP 2 To focus stack the different layers, select them all by going to Select > All Layers, then select Edit > Auto-Align Layers. Choose the Auto option and click OK. Depending on the number of image files and the speed of your computer, this may take some time.

STEP 3 Now, go back to the Edit menu and choose Auto-Blend Layers. Choose the Stack Images option and click OK. Again, this may take a while depending on your computer and the number of images you’re working with.

You might notice a few little glitches caused by the merging process, but hopefully not too many. You can usually fix these by flattening the image (Layer > Flatten Image) and using the Clone Stamp Tool and Healing Brush.

Without focusing stacking / Final stacked image.

Your Next Steps

  • CHALLENGE Focus stacking can add a whole new dimension to your macro photography. Find an everyday object and photograph it up close, using focus stacking for pin-sharp results. Post your favourite image to social media with the hashtag #learnwithfujifilm. You can also submit your work here for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.
  • WATCH Check out our video below to learn more about macro photography!

Also Try...

Using Negative Space

Which GFX Camera Body Is Right for You?

Specialised for different photographers’ needs, how do GFX bodies compare?

Three Ways to Improve Exposure on Moving Subjects

Discover some FUJIFILM X Series camera tricks to help you create great sports and action images

  • Products
    • Cameras
    • Lenses
    • Accessories
    • Software
    • Help Me Choose
  • Support
    • Download
    • Manual
    • Compatibility
    • FAQ
    • FUJIFILM X | GFX Members
    • FUJIFILM Professional Services (FPS)
    • Product Security Information
  • More
    • X-Photographers
    • X Stories
    • Learning Centre
    • Events
    • News
    • Promotions
    • Shop
Follow Us
  • UK
  • Global
FUJIFILM ©FUJIFILM Corporation.
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Settings
Select Your Country Or Region
  • America
    • pt-br

      Brazil

    • en-ca

      Canada

      • English
      • French
    • en-us

      USA

  • Asia Pacific
    • zh-cn

      China

    • en-in

      India

    • id-id

      Indonesia

    • ja-jp

      Japan

    • ko-kr

      Korea

    • en-my

      Malaysia

    • en-ph

      Philippines

    • en-sg

      Singapore

    • th-th

      Thailand

    • vi-vn

      Vietnam

  • Europe
    • de-at

      Austria

    • fr-be

      Belgium

      • Dutch
      • French
    • hr-hr

      Croatia

    • cs-cz

      Czechia

    • da-dk

      Denmark

    • et-ee

      Estonia

    • fi-fi

      Finland

    • fr-fr

      France

    • de-de

      Germany

    • el-gr

      Greece

    • hu-hu

      Hungary

    • is-is

      Iceland

    • en-ie

      Ireland

    • it-it

      Italy

    • lv-lv

      Latvia

    • lt-lt

      Lithuania

    • nl-nl

      Netherlands

    • no-no

      Norway

    • pl-pl

      Poland

    • pt-pt

      Portugal

    • ro-ro

      Romania

    • ru-ru

      Russia

    • sk-sk

      Slovakia

    • sl-si

      Slovenia

    • es-es

      Spain

    • sv-se

      Sweden

    • fr-ch

      Switzerland

      • French
      • German
    • tr-tr

      Turkey

    • en-gb

      UK

    • uk-ua

      Ukraine

  • Oceania
    • en-au

      Australia

    • en-nz

      New Zealand

  • Other
    • global

      Global